| abstract |
A hip prosthesis comprising a metal support element 4 and a ceramic bearing element 6 which is permanently fixed to the metal support element 4. Preferably, the support element 4 is fixed to the bearing element by diffusion bonding, active alloy brazing or by a heat shrink technique. An intermediate element 14 may be disposed between the support element 4 and bearing element 6 to improve adhesion and/or to provide some shock absorbtion. This composite construction is used for acetabular cups (figs. 1-5) and for femoral head resurfacing prosthesis (Figs. 6-7). |